Focus on WHY

Amy Rowlinson
  • 5.0 (225)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated weekly

Seeking fulfilment and purpose in your life? The intention of this podcast is to encourage you to focus on your WHY which will enable and empower you to achieve your desires. Creating positive, global ripple effects, guests from all walks of life and at differing stages in their business, career and life speak with podcast host, Amy Rowlinson, sharing their unique perspectives on purpose in relatable, uplifting and inspiring conversations. Have a Purpose. Have a Plan. Focus on WHY.

  1. Championing Men in the Workplace with Carolyn Hobdey

    2 days ago

    Championing Men in the Workplace with Carolyn Hobdey

    Is it time to rethink how we talk about men in the workplace? Carolyn Hobdey draws on her experience in male-dominated boardrooms and complex personal dynamics to challenge the narrative. She shares why meaningful change comes from collaborating with men, not criticising them, and how emotional literacy and more human leadership can transform both work and home life. Exploring purpose, legacy and the 'fire in her belly', Carolyn offers candid insights on bridging divides, improving dialogue around masculinity and creating healthier, more connected workplaces — ultimately making work better for everyone by championing men in the workplace. KEY TAKEAWAY "The reality is men do still hold quite a lot of that control and that power and the decision-making authority. If we didn't work with them and in collaboration with them, then things actually weren't going to go better for women." BOOK RECOMMENDATION* Lost Connections by Johann Hari - https://amzn.eu/d/0e3toFdx Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman - https://amzn.eu/d/0gDCUvjh    ABOUT THE GUEST – CAROLYN HOBDEY Carolyn Hobdey's career was built at the coalface of business - not in theory, but in practice. Less Human Resources and more Human Being, she brings 25 years' corporate experience in the world's largest employers and globally recognised brands as a board-level leader in FMCG, retail, construction and more, where she shaped their futures by tackling messy, complex, human problems head-on.   CONNECT WITH CAROLYN  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynhobdey  https://www.instagram.com/carolynhobdey/      ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and/or your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call    KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter    CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson    BUY AMY'S BOOK (Shortlisted in the 2025 Business Book Awards) * Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu    HOSTED BY AMY ROWLINSON   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.  *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.

    44 min
  2. Beyond the Lens with Sarah Hoyle

    19 May

    Beyond the Lens with Sarah Hoyle

    Mindset and confidence coach and photographer Sarah Hoyle shares her powerful journey from childhood bullying, toxic relationships, postnatal depression and years of undiagnosed health struggles to healing, resilience and self-acceptance. Combining 13 years of photography with mindset coaching, Sarah now helps midlife women in business step confidently in front of the camera and embrace who they truly are. In this inspiring conversation, she explores the impact of vulnerability, safe female spaces and rewriting the stories we tell ourselves. If you've ever struggled with confidence or self-image, this episode will inspire you to stop hiding and start shining beyond the lens.   KEY TAKEAWAY "I am here to help women feel way more confident, to change up that narrative in their head, and then be able to step in front of my camera with all of that confidence so they are captured as their most authentic self, as the amazing businesswomen I know they are."   ABOUT THE GUEST – SARAH HOYLE Sarah is a mindset and confidence coach, as well as a personal brand photographer, dedicated to empowering midlife women in business to feel confident, motivated, and joyful in both life and work. Through her unique blend of mindset coaching and empowering photography, she helps women break free from self-doubt, reconnect with their inner power, and show up authentically in their brands. Her mission is to help women feel truly seen and heard, so they can shine, both in front of the camera and within their businesses. With the right mindset, confidence, and energy, Sarah believes everything else begins to flow.   CONNECT WITH SARAH HOYLE https://www.nurtureyoubrandphotography.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/nurtureyou_from_sarahhoyle/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahhoyle-nurtureyouphotography-and-coaching/    ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and/or your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call    KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter    CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson    BUY AMY'S BOOK (Finalist in the 2025 Business Book Awards) * Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu    HOSTED BY AMY ROWLINSON   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.  *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.

    40 min
  3. Reflections with Actions with Amy Rowlinson

    12 May

    Reflections with Actions with Amy Rowlinson

    In this solo podcast episode of Focus on WHY, I reflect on the powerful insights shared by five recent guests and explore how intentional reflection can inspire meaningful action. From vulnerability and cultural awareness to justice, sustainable impact, personal growth and visible leadership, each conversation offers practical wisdom for navigating life and work with greater purpose. Drawing on the following episodes with Louise Baxter MBE, Marina Ibrahim, Dr Nancy R. Irwin, Randi Halaway and Sarah Perugia, I share reflections and actionable ideas to help you move forward with renewed clarity, alignment and intention: 509 Living in a World of Vulnerability with Louise Baxter MBE 510 Cultural Dimensions with Marina Ibrahim 511 Justice, Respect and Sustainable Impact with Dr Nancy Irwin 512 Letting Go for Growth with Randi Halaway 513 Turning Invisible Work into Visible Leadership with Sarah Perugia   KEY TAKEAWAY "Reflection only becomes transformative when it leads to action. Perhaps the greatest protection we can offer one another in a world of vulnerability is not perfection or constant vigilance, but humanity."   ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call    KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter    CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson    BUY AMY'S BOOK* (Shortlisted in the 2025 Business Book Awards) Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu    HOSTED BY AMY ROWLINSON   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.  *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.

    45 min
  4. 513 Turning Invisible Work into Visible Leadership with Sarah Perugia

    5 May

    513 Turning Invisible Work into Visible Leadership with Sarah Perugia

    Coach and facilitator Sarah Perugia explores the realities of mid-career and midlife for women, from hormonal shifts and career pauses to the often unseen weight of emotional labour at home and within organisations. Sarah unpacks how bias, internalised beliefs and unequal systems continue to shape women's experiences, and why redefining success on your own terms matters more than ever. Through clarifying values and reconnecting with purpose, Sarah shares how women can move from feeling stretched and overlooked to truly flourishing. Sarah provides an invitation to pause, reflect on what you need and intentionally design a life that honours both your ambitions and your wellbeing. Passionate about supporting women on a mission, Sarah is turning invisible work into visible leadership. KEY TAKEAWAY "The thing that's exhausting them is 'invisible work'. It's the thing that no one else sees: all of the things on our minds, if we were to sit down and write a list and keep writing all the different things that we are thinking about that need doing, that we're planning, that we're organising, that we're worrying about."   ABOUT THE GUEST – SARAH PERUGIA Sarah Perugia is a leadership coach who specialises in helping leaders uncover their purpose and lead with meaning, confidence, and humanity. With a background as a professional actor, she brings a powerful understanding of communication, performance and presence to her work — equipping leaders to connect deeply, communicate authentically, and act with clarity.   CONNECT WITH SARAH https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-perugia-leadership-coaching/ https://www.sarahperugia.com      ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and/or your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call    KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter    CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson    BUY AMY'S BOOK (Shortlisted in the 2025 Business Book Awards) * Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu    HOSTED BY AMY ROWLINSON   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.  *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.

    36 min
  5. Letting Go for Growth with Randi Halaway

    28 Apr

    Letting Go for Growth with Randi Halaway

    Ever felt like life's chaos controls you more than you control it? Randi Halaway explores how freedom, abundance and purpose are created from within rather than chased externally. She shares how regulating the nervous system, slowing down and practising honest self-reflection can transform chaos into calm, aligned action. The conversation highlights vulnerability, personal responsibility and self-love as foundations for discernment and heart-led choices. Through stories of release and reconnection, Randi invites you to move beyond hustle and overwhelm into peace and flow, reminding you that fulfilment comes from within, and that true, lasting transformation begins with letting go for growth.   KEY TAKEAWAY "What I noticed is, when I did that, there would be more flow. My system was more relaxed and then again, I'm more grounded and more rooted. I'm more calm within and then naturally, the reflection now changes."   ABOUT THE GUEST – RANDI HALAWAY Randi Halaway is a Self-Leadership and Personal Power Expert, Speaker, and Coach and creator of The Personal Power Way, a transformational framework that helps leaders and entrepreneurs reclaim their inner strength, regulate their nervous system, and lead with grounded confidence. An entrepreneur since 2001, Randi built and sold a thriving salon business before stepping fully into coaching and speaking. Her work goes beyond surface-level empowerment – she equips audiences to move past fear, chaos, and limiting beliefs, and to step into clarity, freedom, and the infinite possibilities available when they lead from personal power.   CONNECT WITH RANDI HALAWAY http://www.randihalaway.com  https://www.instagram.com/randihalaway/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/randihalaway/ https://tiktok.com/@randihalaway  https://randihalaway.kartra.com/page/speaker  https://randihalaway.com/category/podcasts/  http://facebook.com/randi.halaway.7    ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and/or your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call    KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter    CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson    BUY AMY'S BOOK (Shortlisted in the 2025 Business Book Awards) * Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu    HOSTED BY AMY ROWLINSON   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.  *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.

    44 min
  6. Justice, Respect and Sustainable Impact with Dr Nancy R. Irwin

    21 Apr

    Justice, Respect and Sustainable Impact with Dr Nancy R. Irwin

    What does it really take to build an extraordinary, purpose-driven life? After surviving two near-fatal brain injuries, venomous snakebites and tropical diseases, bat scientist turned social entrepreneur Dr Nancy R. Irwin has done exactly that — grounding her life in the simplicity of human connection. Drawing on her work in ecohealth, rainforest livelihoods in Papua New Guinea and policy, Nancy shares how her decisions are guided by one deceptively simple question: "Is it fatal?" If not, her approach is to keep going. Through calm, values-led choices and a deep commitment to service, Nancy reveals how small, intentional actions can shape a life of meaning — one rooted in justice, respect and sustainable impact.   KEY TAKEAWAY "I think purpose often comes at some level of giving a bit of yourself to somebody else and I think that's where joy is."   BOOK RECOMMENDATION "Is It Fatal?" by Dr Nancy R Irwin - https://www.isitfatal.com/    ABOUT THE GUEST – NANCY IRWIN Dr Nancy R Irwin is a sustainability scientist, strategist, and changemaker driven by one guiding purpose — to support people and help create balance between communities and the planet. Through her consultancy Amaterra (love the earth) and her not-for-profit NuraTerra (nurture the earth), Nancy works alongside communities to turn ideas into action and evidence into impact. Her work has empowered thousands of farmers, opened access to finance for the unbanked, and helped shape greener, fairer economies. Grounded in activism, science, and compassion, Nancy believes in the power of people to make the impossible possible.   CONNECT WITH NANCY IRWIN https://www.amaterraltd.com https://www.nuraterrainc.com https://www.nancyrirwin.com      ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and/or your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call    KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter    CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson    BUY AMY'S BOOK (Shortlisted in the 2025 Business Book Awards) * Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu    HOSTED BY AMY ROWLINSON   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.  *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.

    45 min
  7. Cultural Dimensions with Marina Ibrahim

    14 Apr

    Cultural Dimensions with Marina Ibrahim

    Navigating Egyptian, German and British cultures, Marina Ibrahim turned her lifelong question, 'Where do I belong?' into a powerful exploration of cultural intelligence. She reveals how dimensions such as time, trust, formality and relationships shape how we lead, collaborate and connect. Through personal stories and practical tools, Marina shows how curiosity, playfulness and self-awareness transform culture clash into opportunity, building trust and inclusion across borders. Learn to challenge stereotypes, communicate with intention and create a genuine sense of belonging wherever you are. Marina offers her perspective, actionable insights and an inspiring invitation to connect more deeply in a diverse world and find belonging across cultures exploring cultural dimensions.    KEY TAKEAWAY "Belonging isn't about choosing one culture over another; it's about creating a space where every part of who you are is seen, heard and valued. That's the true power of connection and belonging."   ABOUT THE GUEST – MARINA IBRAHIM Multi-award-winning consultant, coach, and professional speaker Marina Ibrahim helps leaders and organisations thrive across borders through cultural agility, inclusive leadership, and global team performance.   CONNECT WITH MARINA IBRAHIM https://www.globility-insights.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinaibrahim/  https://www.facebook.com/GlobilityInsights/    ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and/or your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call    KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter    CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson    BUY AMY'S BOOK (Shortlisted in the 2025 Business Book Awards) * Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu    HOSTED BY AMY ROWLINSON   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.  *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.

    43 min
  8. Living in a World of Vulnerability with Louise Baxter

    7 Apr

    Living in a World of Vulnerability with Louise Baxter

    Are you really as scam-savvy as you think? Trading Standards expert and CEO of Consumer Friend, Louise Baxter MBE, shares insights from more than 20 years working on the frontline of fraud and consumer protection. Louise reveals the hidden psychological, social and financial impact of scams, challenging common myths about who becomes a victim and why. She explores the role of language, literacy, loneliness and situational vulnerability, and explains why shame often keeps people silent. Louise also reflects on her own late neurodivergence diagnosis and how lived experience has shaped her passion for advocacy. A powerful conversation about the human side of fraud, the real impact of scams and living in a world of vulnerability.   KEY TAKEAWAY "We are living in a world of vulnerability. 67% of us have a characteristic of vulnerability and at any pinchpoint of bereavement, a relationship breakdown, a house move, a period of financial shock, you could be targeted."   ABOUT THE GUEST – LOUISE BAXTER MBE Fraud Expert and Consumer champion. Leader, regulatory, consumer vulnerability expert. Trainer. Joint CEO Consumer Friend, NED with extensive Board experience passionate and everyone should understand and be understood!    CONNECT WITH LOUISE https://www.consumerfriend.org.uk  https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-baxter-mbe-77194337/    ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and/or your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call    KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter    CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson    BUY AMY'S BOOK (2025 Business Book Awards Finalist) * Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu    HOSTED BY AMY ROWLINSON   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.  *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.

    49 min
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5
out of 5
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About

Seeking fulfilment and purpose in your life? The intention of this podcast is to encourage you to focus on your WHY which will enable and empower you to achieve your desires. Creating positive, global ripple effects, guests from all walks of life and at differing stages in their business, career and life speak with podcast host, Amy Rowlinson, sharing their unique perspectives on purpose in relatable, uplifting and inspiring conversations. Have a Purpose. Have a Plan. Focus on WHY.

Information

  • Creator
    Amy Rowlinson
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    516
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Amy Rowlinson 2026
  • Show Website
    Focus on WHY

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